Feelings of loss – it’s time for a discussion! What do you think?

Loss and the feelings that accompany it can sometimes get lost themselves. 

The stages of grief aren’t just related to someone dying, they are felt in everyday life.

When someone experiences a significant change in their life, it can bring on many negative feelings (in no particular order) such as shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing and yes, grief which should ultimately lead to acceptance.

Sometimes the person going through this process doesn’t see it, and the people around don’t understand what’s going on with them.  This can often lead to communication breakdown, social withdrawal and difficult times ahead. 

Awareness is key, and a thoughtful approach is needed by those experiencing loss as well as those around them.  

Examples:

  • Changing/losing a job
  • Retirement 
  • Moving house 
  • Moving country
  • Working away from family 
  • Leaving college / university 
  • Leaving the forces
  • Relationship breakdown – family, romantic, friends, work
  • Child separation
  • Leaving an environment you don’t like, but understand
  • Ending an adventure 
  • Completing a goal/project at work        

Passing a deadline  

A topical example could be, Herr Klopp at Liverpool FC – could he have gone through some of these stages of loss in the lead up to his decision to leave the club and could these feelings continue even after he leaves the club ? Whatever feelings he has are his, and he is navigating through those with his support network.

Whatever walk of life we travel, these feelings can be (and are) felt by anyone and everyone.

What other examples of loss can you think of?

Talking is so important, but it can be tough to know where to start. 

If someone is stuck on where/how to start talking about a feeling of loss, and feels confused by what they’re experiencing, but knows in themselves that something isn’t right, exploring those unsettling feelings with a professional counsellor should help things become clearer and to achieve acceptance.

Is it time for a discussion….?

What do you think?

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